Apparatus for guiding relatively movable interconnectable fittings into and out of connected relation

ABSTRACT

An irrigation system including a stationary water supply having a plurality of outlet couplings and a mobile irrigator adapted to travel adjacent and relative to the water supply, and to receive water therefrom, having a pair of movable inlet couplings. The inlet couplings are releasably interconnectable with the outlet couplings. Apparatus is provided in the system both for guiding an inlet coupling toward a position for enabling interconnection thereof with an outlet coupling, and for guiding an inlet coupling away from an outlet coupling after disconnection therebetween while the irrigator travels relative to the supply.

United States Patent Inventor Carl V. Von Linsowe 2820 Julio Ave., San Jose, Calif. 95124 Appl. No. 859,506

Filed Sept. 19, i969 Patented Aug. [7, i971 APPARATUS FOR GUIDING RELATIVELY MOVABLE INTERCONNECTABLE FITTINGS INTO AND OUT OF CONNECTED RELATION 7 Claims, 11 Drawing Figs.

Primary Examiner-Houston S. Bell, Jr. Attorney- Kolisch & Hartwell ABSTRACT: An irrigation system including a stationary water supply having a plurality of outlet couplings and a mobile irrigator adapted to travel adjacent and relative to the water supply, and to receive water therefrom, having a pair of movable inlet couplings. The inlet couplings are releasably interconnectable with the outlet couplings. Apparatus is provided in the system both for guiding an inlet coupling toward a position for enabling interconnection thereof with an outlet coupling, and for guiding an inlet coupling away from an outlet coupling after disconnection therebetween while the irriga tor travels relative to the supply.

PATENTED ms I 7 L9H SHEET 2 OF 4 [NVENTOR Carl V. von Linsowe PATENTED nus. 715m SHEET 3 OF 4 I l I l I I l I I I I l I I I I I I l II Carl V von Linsowe BY INVENTOP m HM,

APPARATUS FOR GUIDING RELATIVELY MOVABLE INTERCONNECTABLE FITTINGS INTO AND OUT OF j CONNECTED RELATION This invention pertains to an irrigation system including a stationary water supply and a mobile irrigator adapted to travel relative to the supply and to receive water therefrom. More particularly, it pertains to means in such a system for guiding relatively movable, interconnectable couplings in the supply and irrigator toward and away from one another to accommodate connections and disconnections therebetween. For the purpose of illustration herein, a preferred embodiment of the invention is described in conjunction with inlet and outlet couplings which are adapted to interconnect and disconnect automatically.

One type of irrigation system includes a mobile irrigator which is adapted to receive water from a stationary supply extending along the ground. Typically, the supply includes multiple spaced outlet couplings, and the irrigator includes one or more inlet couplings which are releasably interconnectable with these outlet couplings for establishing a waterflow connection between the supply and the irrigator.

A general object of the present invention is to provide, in

such system, novel apparatus which is adapted, with the irrigator traveling'in one direction relative to the supply and with an inlet coupling in the irrigator approaching one side of an outlet coupling in the supply, automatically to guide the inlet coupling to a position enabling interconnection thereof with the outlet coupling.

Another object of the invention is to provide such apparatus which further is effective on disconnection of an inlet and an outlet coupling to guide the inlet coupling away from the outlet coupling with travel of the irrigator in the one direction.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention described herein, the proposed apparatus comprises channeling means positioned adjacent an outlet coupling, and protruding means joined to an inlet coupling. More-specifically, a channeling means includes an acceptor having an intake side defining an intake zone which faces away from the outlet coupling and toward an oncoming inlet coupling with the irrigator moving in the one direction, and a discharge side defining a discharge zone spaced toward the outlet coupling from the intake zone. The intake zone is relatively large, and is larger in area than the discharge zone, with the acceptor, generally speaking, converging from the latter to the former. The acceptor is adapted to receive at its intake side the protruding means of an oncoming inlet coupling, and through engagement with the protruding means, to channel the inlet coupling toward its discharge side.

Such construction assures capture of an inlet coupling as such approaches the intake side of an acceptor without requiring overly precise prepositioning of the oncoming coupling. In addition with the acceptor converging as mentioned, a captured inlet coupling may be guided and directed relatively precisely toward an outlet coupling.

A channeling means according to the invention further I comprises a novel change-position guide means. This guide means is normally releasably locked in one position adapted to receive an inlet coupling from the discharge side of the accep tor in the channeling means, and to guide the inlet coupling toward the outlet coupling adjacent the channeling means with travel of the irrigator in the one direction mentioned. The" guide means is switchable on release thereof to another position adapted to guide the inlet coupling away from the outlet coupling with travel of the irrigator in the one direction.

With such apparatus, substantial economies are realized. For example, the need for manual assistance in guiding couplings of the type indicated into and out of connected relation is avoided in a practical and satisfactory manner. This simplifies and reduces the costs of irrigating.

These and other objects and advantages attained by the invention will become more fully apparent as the description which follows is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a greatly simplified fragmentary top plan view illustrating an irrigation system including a mobile irrigator and a stationary water supply and employing the invention;

FIG. 2 is a simplified side elevation on the same scale as and taken from the bottom side of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary view on the same scale as FIG. 2, and taken along the line 3-3 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevation illustrating details of a channeling means in the invention, and showing a movable inlet coupling in the irrigator of FIGS. 1-3 in different positions relative to the channeling means;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary side elevation, on a larger scale than FIG. 3, further illustrating the channeling means of FIG. 4, and showing the same in a position rotated counterclockwise from the view in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary view taken generallyfrom the left side of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a view taken generally along the line "7-7 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a view, on a larger scale than FIG. 4, taken generally along the line 8-8 in FIG. 4 illustrating protruding means as contemplated herein joined to the inlet coupling in FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is similar to FIG. 4, but illustrates certain parts in the channeling means, and the inlet coupling, in different positions;

FIG. 10 is a view on a larger scale than FIG. 9 taken generally along the line 10-10 in FIG. 9; and

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary view on a larger scale than FIGS. 4 and 9 illustrating the action of locking means as contemplated herein.

Turning now to the drawings, and referring first to FIGS. I, 2 and 3, indicated generally at 20, is an end portion of an elongated, articulated mobile irrigator, or irrigating instrumentality, which extends over a field shown partially at 22. The longitudinal axis of irrigator 20 is shown by dash-dot line 24 in FIG. 1. In order to obtain better clarity in the drawings, irrigator 20 has been illustrated in greatly simplified form, and without regard to exact proportions.

In general terms, irrigator 20 comprises a plurality of Iongitudinal members 26 disposed end-to-end and in two spaced parallel rows. Extending between the rows of longitudinal members, from adjacent their confronting ends, are a plurality of transverse members 28 which are substantially parallel to one another and at right angles to members 26. Adjacent sets of ends of members 26, 28 are joined through suitable articulation means, such as those shown generally in block form at 30, which accommodate a certain amount of relative angular movement between the members to take care of unevenness in the ground. Members 26, 28 and the articulation means are supported above the ground, and for movement thereover, through upright legs 32 (see FIGS. 2 and 3), and wheels 34 which are carried adjacent the lower ends of the legs. In the irrigator illustrated, members 26 are about 120 feet long and members 28 are about feet long. Legs 32 support members 26, 28 about l0 feet above the ground.

lrrigator 20 is propelled over the ground. generally in the direction of arrow 36, which is substantially normal to axis 24, by a suitable power-drive means (not shown). In the embodiment illustrated, irrigator 20 travels at a speed of about I mile per hour.

The longitudinal and transverse members in the irrigator are employed to carry a suitable water-distribution system including sprinkler devices, such as those shown at 38 (see FIG. I) mounted on the longitudinal members.

Irrigator 20 is adapted while traveling over the ground to receive a continuous supply of water from a pair of main water conduits 40, 42 which extend along the ground. These two conduits, constituting a stationary water supply herein, are disposed substantially parallel to one another, and parallel to the path along which the irrigator travels. In the irrigation system illustrated, conduits 40, 42 contain water at a pressure of about I00 pounds per square inch.

Explaining briefly the means employed to transfer water from conduits 40, 42 to the water distribution system on irrigator 20, indicated at 44, 46, 48 in FIG. 1 are elongated transverse supports which extend between and are mounted on the two longitudinal members which form part of the end of the irrigator which is shown in the figure. In the embodiment being described, supports 44, 48 are disposed substantially directly over conduits 40, 42, respectively. Mounted for reciprocation along support 44 are carriages 50, 52. Carriages 54, 56, corresponding to carriages 50, 52, respectively, are mounted for reciprocation along support 48.

Referring now to FIG. 3 along with FIGS. 1 and 2, carriages 52, 56 are interconnected through a cable shown by phantom line 58. Opposite ends of cable 58 are anchored to these two carriages respectively. Progressing along the cable from carriage 52 to carriage 56, the cable is trained in succession about pulleys 60, 62, 64. Pulleys 60, 64 are mounted adjacent the left ends of supports 44, 48, respectively, in FIG. 1 through swivels 61, 65, respectively. These swivels accommodate swiveling of the pulleys about swivel axes which are substantially normal to the pulleys respective rotation axes. The swivel axes substantially parallel the longitudinal axes of supports 44, 48. Pulley 62 is positioned below pulleys 60, 64, and is mounted on a bracket structure 66 which is anchored to and extends downwardly from the longitudinal member 26 which joins with the left ends of supports 44, 48 in FIG. 1. More specifically, pulley 62 is mounted on bracket 66 through a bias spring 68 which on stretching tugs downwardly on the pulley.

As a consequence of the interconnection between carriages 52, 56 provided by cable 58, with carriage 56 moved along support 48 in a direction to the right in FIG. 1, carriage 52 is pulled along support 44, substantially an equal distance to the left in FIG. I. The reverse action takes place with carriage 52 moved to the right in FIG. 1 along support 44. Spring 68 yieldably resists tension buildup in cable 58.

Indicated in dashed lines at 70, 72 are elongated flexible hoses. The inner ends of the hoses are connected to a junction unit 74 (see FIG. 1) through which each of the hoses communicates with the water distribution system on the irrigator. From its inner end, hose 70 extends about a sheave 76 rotatably mounted on carriage 52, and thence extends to carriage 50. Hose 70 is suitably anchored to carriage 50, and extends from this carriage to an outer end 70a (see FIG. 2) which depends from the carriage. Similarly, hose 72 extends from its inner end about a sheave 78 rotatably mounted on carriage 56. From sheave 78, hose 72 extends toward and is suitably anchored to carriage 54. The outer end of hose 72, 72a (seen in FIG. 2), depends from carriage 54. Each hose has an outside diameter of about inches.

Referring particularly to FIG. 2, attached to the outer ends of hoses 70, 72 are inlet couplings 80, 82, respectively, which are similar to one another in construction. Support cables 84, 86 extend from couplings 80, 82, respectively, to carriages 50, 54, respectively. These cables provide yieldable vertical support for couplings 80, 82, accommodating limited downward movement thereof from a position such as that shown in FIG. 2 for coupling 82.

Mounted on and extending downwardly from conduits 40, 42 at points spaced therealong are outlet pipe assemblies, such as assembly 88 on conduit 40, and assemblies 90, 92 on conduit 42 (see FIG. 2). Referring for a moment to FIG. 4 which shows assembly 92 in greater detail, the assembly includes an upright pipe 95 joined to conduit 42, and an inclined pipe 97 joined to the top of pipe 95. Pipe 97 slopes upwardly and to the right in FIG. 4. For the sake of simplicity in FIG. 2, assembly 92 as a whole is shown sloping upwardly and to the right. Similar construction characterizes the other outlet pipe assemblies.

Progressing along the lengths of conduits 40, 42, the outlet pipe assemblies on conduit 40 alternate with those on conduit 42. In addition,"each outlet pipe assembly on a conduit is substantially equally spaced (at a distance of about 60 feetin the system illustrated) from the next adjacent assembly on the other conduit. 1

Suitably mounted on the top pipes of the various outlet pipe assemblies are outlet couplings such as couplings 94, 96, 98 on assemblies 88, 90, 92, respectively. These outlet couplings are similar to one another in construction.

In the irrigation system shown herein, the inlet and outlet couplings are of the self-connecting, self-releasing type. The inlet couplings are placeable selectively by remote signaling in either of two different operating conditions. With an inlet coupling placed in one operating condition, and occupying a certain position, which might be thought of as a ready-to-connect position, relative to an outlet coupling, the two couplings automatically become interconnected. With an inlet and outlet coupling interconnected, placing the inlet coupling in the other operating condition causes the couplings automatically to disconnect. Inlet and outlet couplings which perform in the manner just briefly indicated are fully described in my priorfiled copending application entitled Pressure-Fluid-Assisted Apparatus for Disconnectably Coupling a Pair of Conduits, Ser. No. 832,161, filed .Iune II, 1969. Other types of couplings may, of course, be used.

In the system illustrated, and by virtue of the relative lateral positioning existing between the irrigator and conduits 40, 42, inlet coupling is adapted to interconnect with the outlet couplings mounted above conduit 40, and inlet coupling 82 is adapted to interconnect with the outlet couplings mounted above conduit 42. Inlet coupling 80 is shown in a condition interconnected with outlet opening 94. Inlet coupling 82 is in a position spaced to the right ofoutlet coupling 98 in FIG. 2.

Indicated generally at 100, 102, 104 in FIG. 2 are channeling means constructed according to the invention. Channeling means 100 is mounted adjacent outlet coupling 94, means 102 adjacent coupling 96, and means 104 adjacent coupling 98. It should be understood that in FIG. 2 channeling means 100, 102, 104 are shown in greatly simplified form. As contemplated herein, and as will be more fully explained, a channeling means is adapted, with movement of irrigator 20 in the direction of arrow 36, to capture and then guide an inlet coupling which is approaching an outlet coupling toward a position enabling interconnection of the two couplings. With the particular couplings described herein, such guiding is effective to place an inlet coupling in a ready-to-connect position relative to an outlet coupling. Channeling means substantially the same as those shown in FIG. 2 are provided adjacent other outlet couplings above conduits 40, 42.

Considering now the construction of channeling means 104, the other channeling means being substantially the same in construction, this is shown is detail in FIGS. 4-7. Channeling means 104 comprises a rectangular base plate 106 which is suitably mounted on a flange 108 joined to the top of pipe 97 in assembly 92. Plate 106 and flange 108 are disposed in planes which are substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of pipe 97, such axis being indicated at 93 in FIGS. 4, 5, and 7. It should be noted that the view in FIG. 5 has been rotated counterclockwise from that in FIG. 4 whereby axis 93 is upright in FIG. 5. This has been done to make more economical use of the drawing space available on the sheet containing FIG. 5. Plate 106 includes a central bore 106a which accommodates waterflow. Outlet coupling 98 is suitably mounted on the top face of plate 106 in FIG. 4.

Suitably joined to opposite sides of plate 106, and extending upwardly to the right therefrom in FIG. 4, are a pair of elongated mounts 110. Each mount is disposed with its longitu dinal axis substantially paralleling axis 93. F astened to and extending upwardly from the mounts are laterally spaced (i.e., spaced transversely of axis 93) guide supports 112. Referring particularly to FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, and describing the construction of a support, the same comprises a plurality of elongated hollow tube portions 112a, 112b, 1120, 112d which have similar rectangular cross-sectional outlines. Portion 112a (forming the base of the support) encompasses a mount 110 as shown, and is fastened thereto by bolts, such as bolts I14. Portionl 12b in the support is suitably joined adjacent its bottom end to the top end of portion 1120 in the support, and exthe top end of portion 112b. Portions 112e, 1 120 are disposed with their longitudinal axes substantially parallel to one another and parallel to axis 93. Portion 112d in the support (see FIGS. 4 and 7) is disposed with its longitudinal axis at a right angle to the axis of portion 112a, and has its outer end suitably joined to the top end of portion l12c.

Mounted as by welding on the inner side of each support are a plurality of guides including bottom, lower intermediate, upper intermediate and top guides, such as those indicated generally at 116, 118, 120, 122 respectively. As can be seen in FIG. 7, the guides on each support are spaced laterally from the guides on the other support. The guides on the two supports in a channeling means constitute an acceptor herein.

Considering now more specifically the constructions of the various guides on a support, guide 116 comprises a triangular plate 124 occupying a plane substantially paralleling the plane of FIG. 4 and suitably fastened to the inside face of portion 112C in the support. Joined to and extending along the margins of plate 124 are inwardly extending flanges 126, 128, 130. These flanges occupy planes which are substantially normal to the plane of plate 124. The plane of flange 128, in addition, substantially parallels axis 93. Flanges 126, 128, 130 have substantially the same widths.

Guide 118 is similar in construction to guide 116. Thus, guide 118 includes a triangular plate 132 corresponding to plate 124, and flanges 134, 136, 138 corresponding to flanges 126, 128, 130, respectively. The flanges in guide 118 have substantially the same widths as those in guide 116. Flange 136 occupies substantially the same plane as flange 128 in guide 116. As can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the left ends of flanges 126, 138 in the figures are spaced a relatively small distance apart (about 1 inch), and the flanges diverge progressing upwardly and to the right in the figures.

Guide 120 comprises a pair of elongated angle irons 140,

142. Angle iron 140 includes the usual flanges shown at 144, 146 disposed at a right angle to one another. Flange 144 is suitably joined to the inside face of support portion 112C, and occupies an upright plane which is substantially the same as that occupied by plates 124, 132. Flange 146 extends inwardly away from portion 122a. Flange 146 has a width which is substantially the same as those of the flanges of guides 116, 118. Angle iron 142 includes flanges 148, 150 which correspond to flanges 144, 146, respectively. The lower end of angle iron 142 in FIG. 4 is joined as by welding to the upper end of angle iron 140 in the figure. With channeling means 104 viewed from a side as in FIG. 4, irons 140, 142 extend along a substantially straight course, with .flanges 146, 150 occupying a substantially common plane. The left ends of flanges 146, 134 in FIG. 4 are relatively closely spaced (about 1 inch), and flanges 146, I50 diverge from flange 134 in guide 118 progressing upwardly and to the right in FIG. 4. The distance between the left end of flange 146 in FIG. 4 and the left end of flange 126 in the figure is about 8 inches. With channeling means 104 viewed along a line paralleling axis 93 as in FIG. 7, and considering the angle irons in the two guides 120, it can be seen that whereas angle irons 140 substantially parallel one another, angle irons 142 diverge progressing to the right in the figure.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 4 and 7, guide 122 is formed from an elongated hollow bent tube having a cross-sectional configuration which is similar to those of the various portions in support 112. The left end of the tube forming guide 122 is joined as by welding to the inner end of portion 1124' in the support. The right end of the tube forming the guide is closed off by a plate 152. Intermediate its ends the tube is suitably joined to the upper end of channel 142. As can be seen clearly in FIG. 7, the two guides 122 diverge progressing from their left ends toward their right ends in the figure.

The corresponding guides on the two supports in channeling means 104 occupy matching positions on opposite sides of the upright plane containing axis 93. Thus the different corresponding flanges in guides 116, 118 occupy respective common planes, flanges 146, in guide 120 occupy a common plane; and the bottom sides of guides 122 occupy a common plane.

Considering certain dimensions not already mentioned existing in the channeling means being described, the vertical distance between the right ends of guides 116 in FIG. 4 and the bottom sides of guides 122 in the figure is about 18 inches. The lateral distance between guides 116 is about 9 inches, and that between guides 118 is also about 9 inches, and that between the right ends of guides 122 is about 20 inches. The distance between the left ends of guides 122 is about 6 inches. The distance between the inside faces of support portions 1120 is about 14 inches.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 7, and recalling that guides 116,

118, 120, 122 together constitute an acceptor herein, the right side of the acceptor in the figures is referred to as its intake side, and the left side thereof is referred to as its discharge side. On the intake side of the acceptor the right ends of guides 116, 118, 122 define or bound an intake zone. Onthe discharge side of the acceptor, the left ends of flanges 126, 146, and the inside faces of support portions 112e, define or bound a discharge zone. With the dimensions given above, it will be apparent that the area of the intake zone is considerably larger than that of the discharge zone, and that therefore the acceptor generally converges progressing from its intake side to its dischargeside. Further describing channeling means 104, and still referring particularly to FIGS. 47, indicated generally at 154 is a bracket. Bracket 154 comprises a pair of spaced parallel elongated arm structures 156 joined to support portions 112a adjacent the bottom ends thereof. As viewed in FIG. 4, arm structures 156 extend upwardly and to the left from portions 112s. Extending between and joining the outer ends (the left ends in FIGS. 4 and 5) of the arm structures in the bracket is an elongated bar 158.

Bracket 154 supports a swing frame indicated generally at 160. Frame 160 comprises a pair of laterally spaced guides 162 interconnected by a crossmember 164. Guides 162 together constitute a change-position guide means herein. Each guide 162 comprises a pair of angle irons 166, 168 joined at one set of adjacent ends and disposed at an angle to one another as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. Referring particularly to FIGS. 5 and 6, angle irons 166, 168 include one set of flanges 170, 172, respectively, which occupy a common upright plane spaced inwardly of and closely adjacent the inside face of a support portion 1 12c, and another set of flanges 174, 176, respectively, which extends inwardly at right angles to flanges 170, 172, respectively. Flanges 174 in the two guides 162 occupy asubstantially common plane. With frame 160 occupying the position shown for it in FIGS. 4-7, the plane containing flanges 174 substantially parallels the common plane containing flanges 128, 136 in guides 116, 118. Further, the distance between the confronting faces of flanges 128, 136, 174 is about 1 inch.

Crossmember 164 has the angular configuration indicated (see particularly FIGS. 6 and 7) for reasons which will be more fully explained later. The cross member is fastened to blocks 178 by bolts 179, and the blocks are suitably joined to the inside faces of flanges 172 in angle irons 168. As can be seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the opposite ends of member 164 extend outwardly beyond blocks 178, and also beyond supports 112. As can be seen in FIG. 5, a block 178 has a generally L- shaped configuration.

Frame 160 is pivoted to bracket. 154 through pins 180 which pivotally interconnect arms 154, flanges 172 in angle irons 168, and blocks 178. Pins 180 are axially aligned, and accommodate swinging of frame 160 about a substantially horizontal swing axis 182.

Completing the description of frame 160, indicated generally at 183 is a generally U-shaped structure including a pair of elongated substantially parallel spaced-apart arms 184 and a cross member 186. One set of ends (the upper ends in FIGS. 4, and 6) of arms 184 are suitably joined to the outer ends of member 164, with arms 184 extending at the angle illustrated relative to member 164 and disposed outwardly of supports 112'. The other set of ends of arms 184 are suitably joined to cross member 186.

As contemplated herein, frame 160 is permitted to swing about axis 182 between the position shown for it in FIGS. 4-7 (referred to hereinafter as a lowered position), and that shown for it in FIG. 9 (referred to hereinafter as a raised position). Such swinging is effective to shift flanges 174 in guide 162 from positions paralleling flanges 128, 136 to positions sloping upwardly and away (to the left in FIG. 9) from flanges 128, 136. Swinging of the frame beyond its raised position is prevented by a pair of stops 188 mounted as shown on the outside faces of support portions 112C. The stops are positioned to engage the top sides of arms 184.

The various parts of channeling means 104 described so far preferably are formed of a relatively lightweight metal such as aluminum.

Referring now to FIGS. 4, 7, 10 and 11, locking means is provided according to the invention for releasably locking the frame 160 in its lowered position. More specifically, mounted on the right edge of plate 106 in the figures, substantially centrally between the sides of the plate to which mounts 110 are joined, are spaced-apart plates 190. Extending between and joined to plates 190 are a block 191 and a pin 194. Also extending between plates 190, below block 191, is a pin 196 which supports a roller I98 (disposed between the plates) for rotation about an axis 199 substantially paralleling swing axis 182. Pin 196 and roller 198 constitute a catch herein.

Mounted on cross member 186 in the frame 160 are spacedapart plates 200. A pin 202 extending between plates 200 pivotally supports a locking member indicated generally at 204. Pin '202 provides a pivot, or rock, axis 205 for member 204, which axis substantially parallels swing axis 182. Also extending between plates 200 is a block 192.

Referring for a moment to FIG. 4, indicated at A is an angle between a line in the plane of the drawing passing through axes 182, 205 and a line, also in the plane of the drawing, passing through axes 199, 205. It will be noted that angle A, with the parts of channeling means 104 in the positions shown in FIG. 4, is less than 90. The importance of this feature will be brought out more fully later.

Describing the construction of member 204, it comprises an elongated slender finger, or latch, 206 formed integrally at one end with an enlargement, or gravity-biased means, 208.

The finger and enlargement of member 204 preferably are formed from a relatively heavy material such as steel. Considering the construction of finger 206, with the same viewed from a side as in FIG. 11, progressing along the top side and from the left end of the finger in the figure the finger includes a curved cam surface 206a joining through a bend 20611 with a notch 206C located about midway between the opposite ends of the finger. Notch 2060 is adapted to engage and seat snugly against roller 198. In FIGS. 4 and 11, member 204 is shown in solid outline in a position with notch 206c seated against the roller. Continuing from notch 206:- in FIG. 11, the surface on the top side of the finger extends through a bend 206d to enlargement 208.

Progressing from the left end of finger 206 in FIG. 11, and along the bottom side of the finger in the figure, the finger ineludes between its ends an undulating surface which curves through a concave bend 2062, a convex bend 206f and another concave bend 2063.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 11, the portion of finger 206 which is to the left of bend 206g in FIG. 11 is relatively narrow. To the right of bend 206g, the width of the finger increases somewhat (see particularly FIG. 7). Enlargement 208 is wider than the finger.

Describing briefly how the locking means just described performs, let it be assumed that the various parts in the channeling means are initially in the positions shown therefore in solid outline in FIGS. 4 and 11. With this the situation, enlargement 208, by virtue of gravity acting thereon, tends to maintain finger 206 in a position with notch 206c engaged with roller 198. Such engagement of the notch and roller resists swinging of frame 160 in a counterclockwise direction in the figures. This condition remains unchanged so long as either there is no external force acting on the frame tending to swing it in a counterclockwise direction, or if there is such a force, it is below a certain level.

However, should a force of the type mentioned and above this certain level be exerted on the frame, member 204 will rock in a counterclockwise direction in FIGS. 4 and 11 about axis 205 to a position such as that shown in dash-dot outline at 204A. Such rocking of member 204 occurs because, with angle A less than a force (of the type mentioned) exerted on frame tends to produce a moment on member 204 urging it to swing in a counterclockwise direction. If angle A were equal to or greater than 90, such action would not occur and the frame could not be released for swinging. Roller 198 rolls on pin 196 and against the top side of finger 206 to accommodate this action.

As a consequence of rocking of member 204 as just described, notch 206a and roller 198 become disengaged, whereupon frame 160 is permitted to swing freely toward its raised position (see FIG. 9). On finger 206 completely withdrawing from between plates 190, gravity acting on enlargement 208 rocks member 204 in a clockwise direction to a position engaging previously mentioned block 192. The position which member 204 occupies relative to frame 160 when engaged with block 192 is shown in FIG. 9. Such engagement inhibits further rocking of member 204 in a clockwise direction about axis 205. In addition, it establishes a certain angular relationship between the member and frame 160. The importance of this angular relationship will be more fully explained shortly.

With the force which thus caused swinging of frame 160 removed therefrom, the weight of enlargement 208 in member 204 causes the frame to swing back toward its lowered position. On such return swinging, and because of the angular relationship (mentioned above) established between member 204 and frame 160, the outer end of finger 206 enters the space bounded by plates 190, pin 194 and roller 198, with cam surface 206a riding on the roller. The position which element 204 occupies with the outer end of finger 206 just entering this space is illustrated in phantom outline at 2048 in FIG. 11. Pin 194 assures that regardless of any jouncing of member 204, finger 206 remains within this space. Cam surface 206a rides on roller 198 and guides the finger to a position with notch 2066 again seated snugly against roller I98.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 8, inlet coupling 82 includes a body 209 including a nose 209a adjacent its base, and a port 209!) on one side. Nosc 209a is adapted to be received by an outlet coupling. Port 209b connects with the outer end of hose 72 through an angular pipe assembly 211. Mounted on the top of the body is valve structure 213 through adjustment of which the coupling may be placed in either of the above-mentioned operating conditions. A torque cable 215 is connected to this valve structure and is effective, on being turned, to adjust the structure. Cable 215 extends toward carriage 54, and may be operated in any suitable manner.

Mounted on opposite sides of inlet coupling 82 according to the invention are pairs of pins 210, 212, which constitute protruding means herein. In the embodiment illustrated, the pins are mounted on coupling 82 through sockets, such as sockets 214 for pins 210, and sockets 216 for pins 212, which are formed on the coupling. Other types of mountings may of course be provided. Pins 210 are axially aligned. The same is true with respect to pins 212. The outer ends of pins 210, and also of pins 212, are about 14 inches apart. The axes of pins 210, 212 are substantially parallel, and are about 7 inches apart. Each pin has a diameter slightly less than 1 inch. Similar pins are provided on inlet coupling 80.

Considering now how the apparatus described herein operates as a whole, as was previously mentioned, with irrigator 20 in the position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, couplings 80, 94 are connected and couplings 82, 98 are disconnected. Coupling 82 is in a condition enabling it to connect automatically with an outlet coupling. Further, and referring particularly to FIG. 2, it will be noted that coupling 82 is spaced somewhat to the rightof channeling means 104 in the figure. With this situation, fluid is supplied the water-distribution system on irrigator 20 through couplings 80, 94 and hose 70.

With movement of the irrigator in the direction of arrow 36, the lower end of hose 72 is received or captured between guides 122 in channeling means 104. Referring to FIG. 4, this is the situation which exists with coupling 82 and hose 72 oc cupying thepositions shown therefor in solid outline inthe figure. With the hoses outside diameter being about 5 inches, and with the spread between the right ends of guide 122 in FIGS. 4 and 7 being about inches, it will be appreciated that precise lateral prepositioning of the hose and coupling relative to the channeling means is not required.

With continued movement of the irrigator in the direction of arrow 36, pins 210 on coupling 82 move to positions engaging the bottom sides of guides 120. Thereafter, continued movement of the irrigator and engagement of pins 210 and guides 120 cause coupling 82 to move downwardly along the guides to a position such as that illustrated in dash-dot outline at 82A for the coupling in FIG. 4. e

As the irrigator continues to move in the direction in dicated, pins 210 enter the region between guides 118, 120. In

addition, pins 212 enter the region above guides 116 and beneath guides 118, and engage flanges 138 in guides 118. With continued movement of the irrigator, pins 210, 212 movethrough the spaces defined between the left ends of flanges 126, 138 and 134, 146, and are directed against flanges 174 and into the spaces between flanges 174,128, 136. Continued travel of irrigator 20, and engagement of pins 210, 212 and flanges 174, causes coupling 82 to be guided toward a ready-to-connect position relative to outlet coupling 98. Coupling 82 is shown in such a position in phantom outline at 82B in FIG. 4. The inside edges offlanges 174, 136, 128 inhibit lateral shifting of coupling 82. Couplings 82, 98 then automatically become interconnected. With these couplings connected, coupling 82 occupies a position relative to coupling 98 such as that indicated at 82C in dash-dot outline in FIG. 9.

It should be noted that precise vertical prepositioning of the coupling is not necessary in the operation just described. So long as the coupling is positioned with pins 210 at an elevation below the bottom sides of guides 122, and with pins 212 at an elevation above guides 116, the pins will properly enter the spaces between guides 116, 118 and 118, 120.

During the capturing and guiding operation just described, pins 210, 212, on riding against flanges 174 do not exert a force sufficient to effect a release of frame 160. This is because, with the travel speed of the irrigator mentioned earlier, and .with flanges 174 having the inclined angle shown, coupling 82 (with pins 210, 212 engaging flanges 174) moves to a ready-to-connect position and becomes connected with coupling 98 in a relatively short interval. During this interval, which might be expected to be about 1 second or less, little tension develops in hose 72, and thus a relatively small force is exerted against flanges 174. On coupling 82 becoming interconnected with coupling 98, the force exerted by pins 210, 212 on flanges 174 drops off.

Shortly after interconnecting of couplings 82, 98, coupling 80 is placed in a condition enabling automatic disconnection from coupling 94, and such a disconnection occurs. This is done by adjusting in any suitable manner the valve structure in coupling 80 corresponding to valve structure 213 in coupling 82. With disconnection of couplings 80, 94, and with continued movement of irrigator 20, channeling means 100 guides coupling away (to the left in FIG. 2) from coupling 94. Such action will be fully described shortly in conjunction with disconnection of couplings 82, 98. As irrigator 20 continues to move in the direction of arrow 36, the carriages on supports 44, 48 adjust the relative positions of the hoses whereby coupling 80 moves toward the channeling means adjacent the next adjacent outlet coupling on. conduit 30. As the irrigator continues to travel, coupling 80 is captured (in the manner described above for coupling 82), is guided toward a ready-to-connect' position permitting automatic interconnection with this next outlet coupling, and subsequently becomes automatically interconnected with the outlet coupling. Shortly thereafter, couplings 82, 98 automatically disconnect.

Explaining in detail what occurs on disconnection of couplings 82, 98, and with the irrigator continuing to travel as indicated, pins 210, 212 on coupling 82 press against flanges 174 in frame 160. Tension in hose 72 increases, thereby increasing the force exerted by the pins on the flanges. On this force exceeding a certain level, member 204 rocks to disengage notch 206c and roller 198, and frame is released. The frame then swings to its raised position (see FIG. 9). I

With this situation, flanges 174, through engagement with pins 2l2,guide coupling 82 away from channeling means 104 (upwardly and to the left in FIG. 9). In FIG. 9 coupling 82 is shown in phantom outline at 82D in a position with pins 212 riding on flanges 174. The bowed-away angular midportion of cross member 164 in frame 160 provides clearance formovement of coupling 82 away from coupling 98.

Thereafter, frame 160 returns to, and automatically becomes locked in, its lowered position in the manner previously described.

This type of operation continues with continued movement of the irrigator in the direction of arrow 36 along conduits 30, 32.

While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described herein, it is appreciated that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent:

1. In an irrigation system, an organization comprising:

a stationary water supply including an outlet'coupling;

a mobile irrigating instrumentality adapted to travel relative to said supply and to receive water therefrom including an inlet coupling which is releasably interconnectable with said outlet coupling; and

channeling means positioned adjacent said outlet coupling constructed to channel said inlet coupling toward a position enabling interconnection thereof with said outlet coupling with said instrumentality traveling in one direction relative to said supply and said inlet coupling disposed to one side of said outlet coupling, and to channel said inlet coupling away from said outlet coupling with release of the two couplings subsequent to an interconnection therebetween and with continued travel of said instrumentality in said one direction relative to said pp y said channeling means comprising an acceptor having an'intake side facing in the direction opposite said one direction away from said one side of said outlet coupling adapted to receive said inlet coupling, and a discharge side spaced toward the outlet coupling from said intake side, and change-position guide means positioned to receive said inlet coupling on the same being discharged from said discharge side ofsaid acceptor,

said guide means having one position which it occupies on receiving the inlet coupling from said discharge side adapted to guide the inlet coupling toward said outlet coupling with travel of said instrumentality in said one direction, and being switchable to another position adapted to guide said inlet coupling away from said outlet coupling with the two couplings disconnected and with continued travel of said instrumentality in said one direction.

2. The organization of claim 1 which further comprises releasable locking means releasably locking said guide means in its said one position.

3. The organization of claim 2 wherein said guide means is mounted adjacent said acceptor for swinging about a swing axis, and said locking means comprises a gravity-biased member mounted on the guide means tending to swing it in one angular direction about said swing axis.

4. The organization of claim 3, wherein said gravity-biased member is mounted on said guide means through pivot means providing a rock axis spaced from and substantially paralleling said swing axis accommodating rocking of the member relative to the guide means, and said locking means further comprises a latch joined to said member for rocking therewith, and a stationary catch mounted adjacent said outlet coupling adapted releasably to engage said latch with said guide means in its said one position.

5. The organization of claim 4, wherein with said latch and catch engaged rocking of the latch in one angular direction about said rock axis is effective to produce disengagement, and swinging of said guide means from its said one position about said swing axis in an angular direction opposite said one angular direction is effective to produce rocking of said latch in said one angular direction about said rock axis.

6. The organization of claim 5, wherein said gravity-biased member is constructed whereby it tends to rock said latch in the opposite angular direction from said one angular direction about said rock axis.

7. The organization of claim 5, which further comprises protruding means joined to said inlet coupling, and wherein said guide means comprises a face positioned to be acted on by said protruding means with the inlet coupling discharged from said discharge side of said acceptor and said instrumen tality traveling in said one direction, and such action of said protruding means on said face tends to swing said guide means in the opposite direction from said one angular direction about said swing axis. 

1. In an irrigation system, an organization comprising: a stationary water supply including an outlet coupling; a mobile irrigating instrumentality adapted to travel relative to said supply and to receive water therefrom including an inlet coupling which is releasably interconnectable with said outlet coupling; and channeling means positioned adjacent said outlet coupling constructed to channel said inlet coupling toward a position enabling interconnection thereof with said outlet coupling with said instrumentality traveling in one direction relative to said supply and said inlet coupling disposed to one side of said outlet coupling, and to channel said inlet coupling away from said outlet coupling with release of the two couplings subsequent to an interconnection therebetween and with continued travel of said instrumentality in said one direction relative to said supply, said channeling means comprising an acceptor having an intake side facing in the direction opposite said one direction away from said one side of said outlet coupling adapted to receive said inlet coupling, and a discharge side spaced toward the outlet coupling from said intake side, and change-position guide means positioned to receive said inlet coupling on the same being discharged from said discharge side of said acceptor, said guide means having one position which it occupies on receiving the inlet coupling from said discharge side adapted to guide the inlet coupling toward said outlet coupling with travel of said instrumentality in said one direction, and being switchable to another position adapted to guide said inlet coupling away from said outlet coupling with the two couplings disconnected and with continued travel of said instrumentality in said one direction.
 2. The organization of claim 1 which further comprises releasable locking means releasably locking said guide means in its said one position.
 3. The organization of claim 2 wherein said guide means is mounted adjacent said acceptor for swinging about a swing axis, and said locking means comprises a gravity-biased member mounted on thE guide means tending to swing it in one angular direction about said swing axis.
 4. The organization of claim 3, wherein said gravity-biased member is mounted on said guide means through pivot means providing a rock axis spaced from and substantially paralleling said swing axis accommodating rocking of the member relative to the guide means, and said locking means further comprises a latch joined to said member for rocking therewith, and a stationary catch mounted adjacent said outlet coupling adapted releasably to engage said latch with said guide means in its said one position.
 5. The organization of claim 4, wherein with said latch and catch engaged rocking of the latch in one angular direction about said rock axis is effective to produce disengagement, and swinging of said guide means from its said one position about said swing axis in an angular direction opposite said one angular direction is effective to produce rocking of said latch in said one angular direction about said rock axis.
 6. The organization of claim 5, wherein said gravity-biased member is constructed whereby it tends to rock said latch in the opposite angular direction from said one angular direction about said rock axis.
 7. The organization of claim 5, which further comprises protruding means joined to said inlet coupling, and wherein said guide means comprises a face positioned to be acted on by said protruding means with the inlet coupling discharged from said discharge side of said acceptor and said instrumentality traveling in said one direction, and such action of said protruding means on said face tends to swing said guide means in the opposite direction from said one angular direction about said swing axis. 